• Why is Georgia No. 1?At this point, the 'Dawgs are the nation's most complete team. My only reservation with Georgia: What happens to QB Matt Stafford in big road games. (South Carolina, Arizona State, LSU, Auburn; Florida in Jacksonville are all on this year's road slate)? He was hot and cold last year away from Athens, but he's got a ton of talent. He'll go one of two ways this fall: succumb to the preseason pressure, or develop into the No. 1 overall NFL pick. I'm going with the latter.

• Biggest riser:Illinois (plus-7): The defense is going to be terrific. The recruiting work of Ron Zook and offensive coordinator Mike Locksley will pay off this fall with some serious young talent: linebacker Martez Wilson, cornerback Dere Hicks, safety Bo Flowers, defensive tackle Josh Brent. One key question: Who steps in at tailback? Daniel Dufrene isn't the pile-mover Rashard Mendenhall was, but freshman signee Mikel LeShoure -- who enrolled early -- has looked promising.

• Biggest faller:Penn State (minus-13). The 'Nits are experienced, but the loss of star LB Sean Lee will hurt beyond performance on the field. He was the team's leader, a microcosm of what Joe Paterno wants out of his players -- players that, of late, have a growing number of off-the-field issues. Another problem: neither QB Daryll Clark nor Pat Devlin has embraced the role of starter.

• It's business time for the Jayhawks:I was impressed by the business-like attitude at Kansas this spring. They're good and they know it. More importantly, they know everyone thinks last year was a fluke.

• Deal with it, people:Ohio State is in the thick of the national title picture -- again. The Buckeyes replace four starters from last fall -- none at critical spots. The addition of uber-recruit QB Terrelle Pryor will give the offense balance, but more impressive is the attitude with which this team went back to work after a second-straight embarrassing loss in the national title game. The reality is this: No other team would've beaten Florida or LSU. The Bucks were the poor saps on the other sideline caught in the tidal wave of two teams with second chances and something to prove.

• Where's Michigan?In the 40s. And falling.

• The new guys:Tennessee and Wake Forest. There was a time last fall when the staff at Tennessee had serious concerns about QB Jonathan Crompton's development -- specifically, if sitting behind Erik Ainge for three seasons had stunted his physical and mental development. Then he played nearly flawlessly this spring, despite an elbow injury that needed surgery this week.

Five teams moving ahead and five in reverse E-MAIL PRINT COMMENTS 112 WATCH THIS TOPIC Posted: April 28, 2008

It was one of those gorgeous sun-splashed spring days, that anticipated moment that makes you forget weeks of shoveling snow. And think about new beginnings.

At a time when many teams simply are sharpening skills, Nebraska was redefining itself with new coach Bo Pelini. More specifically, finding a personality.

"The process is well under way," Pelini says. "But it's not nearly finished."

Compared with where the process was last fall in Lincoln, the Huskers have made bigger strides than any team this spring. How bad was the dysfunction? Consider this anecdote:

Former coach Bill Callahan was obsessive about his offense; he made the game plan and called the plays. Sources say before the Texas game -- and at the height of Nebraska's failures -- Callahan let his assistants build the game plan and said he wouldn't call one play.

After the first series, Callahan not only called every offensive play, he called the defensive sets, too. The Huskers gave up three touchdowns in the fourth quarter and lost, 28-25. Then they allowed 172 points over their final three games.

No wonder defense has been the spring focus -- and the foundation for Pelini's rebuilding project. The Huskers are on the positive side of the 10 teams that made the biggest strides forward and backward this spring.

Five in drive

Nebraska. Pelini shook things up quickly when he called the entire defense too fat. He moved tailback Cody Glenn to weakside linebacker to get more speed in the back seven, and promising end Pierre Allen and tackle Kevin Dixon -- both of whom were overweight last fall -- were among a group that played faster in reshaped bodies. Ohio State. We heard the same thing last year: The team has never been in better shape, never been more focused -- despite a championship game meltdown. It helps that super quarterback recruit Terrelle Pryor will give the offense a Tebow-like jolt in the fall -- and loosen up what could be a tight atmosphere.

Clemson. Funny what a little job security can do. Coach Tommy Bowden gets extended to 2014, and the Tigers have their best spring since his first at the school ... in 1999. Freshman defensive end Da'Quan Bowers enrolled early and was dominant, giving the Tigers a dangerous pass rush combination with Ricky Sapp. The story of the spring: Dynamic tailback C.J. Spiller learning/agreeing to run between the tackles.

Texas. When the Longhorns won 34 of 38 games from 2004-06, they fed off defensive energy. So Mack Brown hired Will Muschamp away from Auburn, made him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the nation and watched him whirl through spring drills. Muschamp, who used more than 40 blitz packages at Auburn, says his new defense likely will use more.

Illinois. The story is that dynamic quarterback Juice Williams struggled this spring. The reality is that Illinois is going to be scary good on defense with an influx of developing young players. No team in the Big Ten will have a better front four or secondary, and if young linebackers Martez Wilson and Ian Thomas learn quickly, Illinois won't be far from another significant jump.

Five in reverse

Michigan. No quarterback emerged to run new coach Rich Rodriguez's spread option offense, which means incoming freshman Justin Feagin is in deep. Three projected starting linemen left school, the team is thin at receiver, and the defense just isn't that good. And you thought Rodriguez's legal dance with West Virginia was an issue.

Iowa. Problem No. 1: Iowa finished a nonbowl season with a home loss to Western Michigan. Problem No. 2: The next time the team played for a home crowd, projected starting quarterback Jake Christensen's first throw of the spring game was intercepted and returned for a touchdown -- by a second-team cornerback. This Hawkeyes have limited talent at three key areas on offense: quarterback, tailback and wideout.

South Carolina. Steve Spurrier used to be a quarterbacks guru. Then a couple of guys named Chris Smelley and Tommy Beecher threw eight interceptions in the spring game. Add those to the litany of mistakes made by former quarterback Blake Mitchell the past three years, and it's easy to see how the Gamecocks already have plateaued under the coach who used to own the SEC.

UCF. A season of hope has been crushed by the death of wide receiver Ereck Plancher during conditioning drills -- and players anonymously speaking out against coach George O'Leary's practice/conditioning tactics. All of that talent -- and there's enough for another C-USA title -- means nothing now. The team is fractured, and it will take more than just one season to heal.

Spring star: RB Caleb King. The redshirt freshman was impressive in Georgia's spring game and should provide a nice complement to Moreno in the fall.

Spring recap: Stafford, entering his third season, showed continued development, and may have found a new go-to receiver in freshman Tavarres King. (Stud recruit A.J. Green also arrives in the fall.) LB Rennie Curran drew consistent praise from coach Mark Richt.

Spring star: DE Thaddeus Gibson. The redshirt sophomore impressed OSU's seniors so much they picked him No. 1 in their "draft" for the Scarlet-Gray Game.

Spring recap: With nearly the entire squad returning, there weren't too many questions to answer. Sophomore Bryant Browning is on track to replace Kirk Barton at right tackle, while Gibson and Lawrence Wilson will step in for Vernon Gholston.

Spring star: RB Derrick Washington. The rising sophomore displayed impressive speed in the spring game and should help fill the void left by Tony Temple.

Spring recap: The Tigers' spread offense should be lethal again, as Daniel and Maclin picked up right where they left off on the first touchdown of the spring game. Injuries to key defenders Moore, Weatherspoon and Van Alexander are a concern.

Spring recap: The overriding storyline of LSU's spring was the absence of suspended QB Ryan Perrilloux, who has since been reinstated. The Tigers' offensive line is shaping up to be dominant. Coach Les Miles is still looking for two reliable cornerbacks.

Spring star: CB Dominique Franks. What had been a position of concern now seems in good hands with the sophomore, who had three picks in OU's spring game.

Spring recap: The Sooners experimented with a no-huddle offense. Having lost standouts like Curtis Lofton and Reggie Smith, the defense appears to be reloading with youngsters like Franks, LB Keenan Clayton and S Sam Proctor.

Spring star: DE Carlos Dunlap. The sophomore asserted himself as Florida's next great pass-rusher, notching four sacks in the Gators' spring game.

Spring recap: The Tebow-led passing game looked explosive as ever. RBs Chris Rainey and Emmanuel Moody showed big-play potential but lack consistency. Coach Urban Meyer cited the secondary as the most improved area on the team.

Spring star: DE McKinner Dixon. The return of this 2005 Freshman All-America, who played last season in junior college, gives Tech's pass rush a boost.

Spring recap: The fact that Tech's defense shut down Harrell, Crabtree and Co. in the spring game is a good sign for the Raiders. Dixon and Miami transfer Chris Perry were nice adds to an impressive D-line. Mike Leach is still seeking a new kicker.

Spring star: WR Terrell Zachary. The sophomore, who was ineligible for most of last season, showed signs of becoming a big-time playmaker.

Spring recap: Burns made strides in new coordinator Tony Franklin's spread offense, going 26-of-36 for 355 yards in his last two scrimmages. The Tigers are still adjusting to playing at a hurry-up tempo. LB Tray Blackmon emerged as a leader on defense.

Spring star: RB John Clay. The highly touted freshman lived up to the hype in Wisconsin's spring game, carrying 21 times for 94 yards.

Spring recap: Allen Evridge remains on top in the Badgers' QB derby but has yet to shake off Dustin Sherer and Scott Tolzien. Injuries ravished the defense, most notably Shaunghessy (broken leg). Several youngsters stepped up in the secondary.

Spring star: DE Da'Quan Bowers. The early-enrollee -- considered the top recruit in the country by some -- dazzled at Clemson's spring game (two sacks).

Spring recap: The Tigers showed the makings of a deep and dominant defense. Harper found a potentially dangerous second target in 6-foot-5 sophomore Xavier Dye. The offensive line remains a huge concern -- a couple of freshmen may have to start.

Spring star: WR Gerald Jones. The athletic sophomore merited his own package -- "the G-Gun" -- in which he lines up at QB and can throw or run.

Spring recap: The Vols adjusted to eight new assistants, most notably offensive coordinator Dave Clawson, who experimented with both Jones and Berry in the shotgun. Jonathan Crompton looks ready to take over for Erik Ainge at QB.

Spring star: WR Brandon Collins. The field-stretching sophomore looks like he could fill the shoes of departed star Limas Sweed.

Spring recap: New coordinator Will Muschamp brought a much-needed edge to Texas' defense, with the young secondary showing the most improvement. RB Vondrell McGee looks to be Jamaal Charles' replacement. Henry Melton stepped up at DE.

Spring star: TE Will Johnson. The sophomore moved over from receiver in the spring and showed signs he'll make an impact in the pass and run games.

Spring recap: Despite losing seven starters, White said the Mountaineers' defense got the better of the offense for most of the spring. The linebacker corps showed it will be a strength. Receivers are a question after losing big-play threat Darius Reynaud.

Spring recap: Reesing, playing behind a work-in-progress offensive line, did not look like himself in the spring game, while his receivers dropped several passes. Coach Mark Mangino raved about the defense's potential following a dominant spring.

Spring star: RB Shaun DeWitty. The injury-plagued junior ran for 71 yards in the spring game and could push Herring and Dimitri Nance for carries.

Spring recap: Carpenter was a miserable 7-of-21 for 88 yards in the spring game, partially because ASU's stout D-line dominated the O-line. The defense was impressive throughout spring. Juco CB Terrell Carr led a pack of emerging corners.

Spring star: RB Ryan McCant. Described as "a smaller Steven Jackson," the redshirt freshman left no doubt who will step in for departed star Yvenson Bernard.

Spring recap: Stroughter, who missed last season, looks every bit like the guy who amassed 1,293 yards in 2006. The offensive line has been depleted by injuries. Juco transfer Stephen Paea (DT) and LB Keaton Kristick have stood out on the defensive front.

Spring star: WR Jarred Fayson. The Florida transfer showed off his big-play ability in the spring game, returning a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown.

Spring recap: Coach Ron Zook was pleased with the continued development of QBs Williams and Eddie McGee. The defensive line emerged as a strength. No obvious candidates emerged to fill the huge void left by RB Rashard Mendenhall.

Spring star: RB LeGarrette Blount. The juco transfer, who ran five times for 68 yards in the spring game, showed off jaw-dropping moves throughout the spring.

Spring recap: Sophomore QB Justin Roper, the star of last year's Sun Bowl, put on a huge performance in the spring game, but was erratic in previous scrimmages. The defense looked strong, but some holes remain on the defensive line and at free safety.

Spring star: RB Stephfon Green. The electrifying freshman, who dashed for 87 yards on 12 carries in the Blue and White Game, may supplant Royster.

Spring recap: The offense figures to be more dynamic with either QB -- Daryll Clark or Pat Devlin -- at the helm. The defense received a crushing blow when star LB Sean Lee suffered a season-ending knee injury. Several key players were sidelined by suspensions.

Spring star: WR Brandon Dillard. A speedy walk-on, Dillard amassed 115 yards in the spring game and should help Tech replace its top four receivers.

Spring recap: Having already dismissed top RB Branden Ore, the Hokies also lost their next two tailbacks, Kenny Lewis and Jahre Cheeseman, to injuries. Glennon entrenched himself as the No. 1 guy. A rebuilt defensive front four performed solidly.

Spring star: WR Mike McCoy. The junior, who caught six balls for 101 yards in the spring game, could step into the go-to role vacated by D.J. Hall.

Spring recap: Wilson looked sharp in the spring game, with Grant stepping up in the passing attack. Several promising youngsters provided depth for the D-line. The status of LBs Prince Hall (suspension) and Zeke Knight (illness) are up in the air.

Spring recap: Bill Stull reestablished himself as the likely No. 1 QB after missing all but one game last season. Redshirt frosh Shariff Harris shaped up as a nice complement to McCoy. The offensive line remains in need of improvement.

Well, it sure doesn't look good for us right now. But, we'll see how the season plays out. It might take a couple years for RR to get things set.

I'll wait until I actually see them play before I go declaring that it "doesn't look good." I agree that it may take a while, but from everything I've heard the offense looks very nice...

May 2nd, 2008, 3:17 pm

steensn

RIP Killer

Joined: June 26th, 2006, 1:03 pmPosts: 13429

Quote:

Buckeyes rise to No. 1 in updated Top 25

Spring practices have wrapped up, so it's time to take another look at the preseason top 25. Injuries, suspensions and dismissals littered the spring, but how did they affect the rankings? Well, to start things off, there's been a change at the top.

1. Ohio State BuckeyesRaise your hand if you want to see the Buckeyes back in the BCS title game … didn't think so. But with an extraordinary number of juniors and seniors returning, Ohio State seems poised to become the first team in the 112-year history of the Big Ten to win three straight outright league titles. Even if the Buckeyes lose at USC on Sept. 13, they might end up playing in the BCS title game in Miami on Jan. 8.

2. Georgia BulldogsGeorgia might be more explosive and talented than Ohio State, but the Bulldogs' schedule is much tougher. The Bulldogs play consecutive road games at South Carolina and Arizona State, then play at LSU and against Florida in Jacksonville. Throw in back-to-back home games against Alabama and Tennessee and a road game at Auburn, and it might be the toughest schedule in the country. If Georgia can navigate its way through the schedule with only one loss (or maybe two), Ohio State could be waiting for the Bulldogs in Miami.

3. Oklahoma SoonersIt's all about what's up front for the Sooners. Oklahoma has the country's top offensive line, led by Duke Robinson and Phil Loadholt, and one of the better defensive lines in the Big 12. With coach Bob Stoops switching to a no-huddle offense, the Sooners could be even more explosive than last season, when they led Division I-A with 80 touchdowns. Oklahoma doesn't have to play Missouri and gets Kansas and Texas Tech at home.

4. USC TrojansEven after losing 10 players to the NFL draft, the Trojans still have future draft picks stacked up like cordwood. Quarterback Mark Sanchez might be better than the departed John David Booty, and Arkansas transfer Damian Williams will become a big-play threat at wide receiver. Trojans coaches believe Allen Bradford has a chance to become the next great USC tailback. The Trojans will be even better on defense than they were last season.

5. Florida GatorsLast year's 9-4 record was pretty humbling for the Gators, especially after they won the BCS title in coach Urban Meyer's second season in 2006. Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Tim Tebow won't be the only Gator running the football in 2008. USC transfer Emmanuel Moody and speedy freshman Chris Rainey will help alleviate some of the pressure on Tebow. Eight starters are back from what was a very young defense last season, and end Carlos Dunlap looks like a premier pass-rusher. The Gators play only one really tough road game: at Tennessee on Sept. 20.

6. Missouri TigersWith quarterback Chase Daniel and speedy kick returner/receiver Jeremy Maclin back, the Tigers should be explosive again on offense. New starters at left tackle and center must play well. Missouri also returns 10 starters from a very underrated defense, but linebacker is a concern after injuries and defections depleted the unit during the spring. Missouri doesn't play Oklahoma, Texas A&M or Texas Tech.

7. Clemson TigersThe Tigers appear to be the best team in the ACC, but how many times have we heard that during coach Tommy Bowden's tenure? The Tigers haven't won an ACC title since 1991, but this might be their best chance in a long, long time. Quarterback Cullen Harper, tailbacks James Davis and C.J. Spiller, and receiver Aaron Kelly lead what could be a very good offense -- if four new starters play well on the line. Replacing three starting linebackers also is a big concern. Clemson plays four of its first five games at home, but the opener against Alabama in the Georgia Dome will decide how the season goes.

8. Texas LonghornsCoach Mack Brown continues to haul in top-five recruiting classes each year, but bringing in defensive coordinator Will Muschamp from Auburn might have been his biggest addition in 2008. Muschamp wants the Longhorns to be meaner and more aggressive this season after they allowed 371.2 yards per game in 2007. On offense, Texas still hasn't settled on a starting tailback to replace Jamaal Charles, who led the Big 12 in rushing before bolting for the NFL draft.

9. West Virginia MountaineersThe Mountaineers appear to be the team to beat in the Big East, especially with Rutgers and South Florida each having big holes to fill. Quarterback Pat White and tailback Noel Devine give the Mountaineers the potential to have an explosive offense, and new coach Bill Stewart is very excited about his team's fast linebackers.

10. Auburn TigersLSU has dismissed quarterback Ryan Perrilloux, which might open the door for Auburn in the SEC West. New offensive coordinator Tony Franklin still hasn't settled on a starting quarterback for his spread offense, but the Tigers will still be able to run the football. The Tigers will play Tennessee, LSU and Georgia at Jordan-Hare Stadium, and Florida rotates off the SEC schedule.

Maybe it's just me, but I don't get how UM is ranked. By every account I've read or heard of them, they're not expected to do much at all this year. New coach, entirely new offensive system, don't have the "right" QB to run the system....how does that translate to top 25?

I personally hope they do well, except against ND of course

August 1st, 2008, 12:10 pm

steensn

RIP Killer

Joined: June 26th, 2006, 1:03 pmPosts: 13429

I'm confused also, but these will change again like 2 times before the season starts and after practices and set rosters we will see how it looks.

Maybe it's just me, but I don't get how UM is ranked. By every account I've read or heard of them, they're not expected to do much at all this year. New coach, entirely new offensive system, don't have the "right" QB to run the system....how does that translate to top 25?

I personally hope they do well, except against ND of course

Right. Rodriguez was 3-8 his first year at WVU, mostly because he didn't have the QB he needed. When he finally got one, the results were vastly improved. This year will probably be rough at UM but once a few key speedsters are in place, they will win a lot of games.

I'm curious to see how my boys at WVU will respond to the new coaching staff. I like this staff but they are unproven.